1868 (?)
Hobartown, 
34 South St,
Battery Point
My dear Mother,

I received your kind letter and was very sorry that James was not at home to right to you this mail but the steamer that he is on met with an accident so they had to put back. She broke her shaft but hope to see him at home on Friday. You want to know what baby is like. I have never seen child so mutch like her father in my life as she is. She is good tempered likewise got his way he says that she is like him when he was young am happy to say that she is getting on well. My sister Abigal has taken her out for walk this morning as far as Mothers. She has not yet any teeth yet but think she will soon have them. I am glad to hear that Uncle Sam as I may call him has got something to do. the times here are very bad. There is nothing to do for anyone. You will see from James’ letter that we have given up our business for there was not dooing?? in fact we lost by it but God is good. There might something turn up for him yet as he dislikes the sea so mutch. My brother is going on voyage for 12(?) months so when he comes back he intends to take trip home to see London.

My sister Mary Ann has got young son. Hope that she will rere this one as it is hard to part with them. She has lost two. I send you piece of Baby’s hair. It has got lister than it was. Think that it will be like her father. Her eyes are light as yet. Shall send her cart as soon as can. Please send word if you sent any papers this time for did not get any and went to the post office and that told me that there was not any. It is great pittey that there are so fond of keeping papers

With kindest love to all your loving daughter. (Please to excuse this as left it so late).

Christine Parkinson

PS (very poor writing). James letter was to late. .. have been posted before the 13th but its every fourth Thursday they may… tell you at Post Office if you could get someone to ask. We will surely send it by next mail which will go later in the month. A gent was here last night and he was singing and playing for him all. We are going for a long walk this evening. I have a Weekly News for Chris and will sent it too.